Ever wanted to ask a player or coach a question? Now’s your chance. They answer readers’ questions in The Denver Post’s “Fan Mail” feature.

In this installment, former Broncos offensive lineman and current ESPN NFL analyst Mark Schlereth talks with fans about the Broncos, his Stinkin’ Good Green Chile and “the best burger joint in the whole world!”

Keep an eye out for the next installment. Suggest the next subject and send Q’s in an email to fanmail@denverpost.com

What do you think about Josh McDaniels changing the Broncos’ offensive line scheme (from zone blocking) to more of a “power” system? — Trent, Denver

Mark Schlereth: Trent, it doesn’t bother me at all. What you have to understand is that the Broncos majored in the zone scheme when I was there and Mike Shanahan was there. But now they have tried to move away from that. Blocking in the NFL takes a lot of skill — something people don’t always understand — and it takes a lot of time to develop those skills. So if (power blocking) is what Josh knows, has coached and is comfortable with, than that’s what he must go with.

Another thing that people have to understand is that there isn’t a team in the NFL that doesn’t run some sort of zone blocking, or counters or power or trap blocking. Everybody runs a bit of everything.

MS: Absolutely not. Because then why would anybody buy it? It would be all over the internet. It’s my business partner David Bloom’s family recipe. It started with his father and David has tweaked it since. Truthfully, I don’t even know what’s in it. I just know that it’s really good.

Mark, it’s well documented that the fans generally disagreed with Coach McDaniels’ minimal use of Peyton Hillis last season. What’s your opinion on that, and do you think Hillis will be traded, cut, or still a Bronco next season? — Fred, Prairie du Chien, WI

MS: I don’t know for sure what happened, we can all speculate. But I do expect him to be here and get opportunities. We don’t know what goes on in practice, and he put the ball on the ground early in the season. So that’s a factor. But remember, we don’t always see the full picture of what goes on with a team.

Do I think he deserves more opportunities? Yes. He’s a big, physical back and he catches the ball out of the backfield.

I loved your playing days in Denver, Mark, even though you were a hated (Idaho) Vandal. Just wondering when ESPN is going to balance the scales on NFL Live and hire a former Boise State Bronco to go along with you and Merril Hoge from Idaho State.— Steve, Twin Falls, Idaho

MS: Never! Guys from “Bozo State” aren’t smart enough to talk on TV.

What are your feelings about Josh McDaniels as the head coach of the Broncos? It sure seems like there’s some insecurity there with all the examples he feels he has to set.

— Buzz, Fort Collins

MS: I think this, and I learned this from spending time in TV with Bill Parcells: If you go in as a head coach, you had better do it your way. Bill said, ‘You go in fire everybody and let everyone know that the old ways are not going to be tolerated.’ I respect that, I think there is a lot to that.
That being said, you have to be smart enough and mature enough to not fight your battles in the media.

A lot of NFL players struggle with weight after their playing days are over. I’ve read that you’re at 230. How have you maintained that after playing much heavier? Don’t tell me (Mike) Golic sold you on his diet system. Glad you were a part of the Broncos championship years!

— Jordan Otte, Kansas City

MS: The biggest thing I do is watch my diet. That’s the No. 1 thing. When I was playing, I was force feeding myself to stay at playing weight. I had to eat a ton. Now I try to make a commitment to eating well. My wife, Lisa, is a good cook and we don’t eat out a lot.
And, of course, I exercise. You have to stay committed to staying active. I do a lot of training on the elliptical machine.

Of course, I fluctuate like everybody else. When I really picked up the exercise part, I was down to about 215. My more natural weight is about 230. But if I quit working out and didn’t watch my diet, I could be up to 265 in about, oh, three days.

I am a parent of two left-handed pitchers, one who is playing at Scottsdale Community College and one who is playing at Highlands Ranch High School. What advice do you have for a father to help their son be successful in playing baseball at a college or pro level? (Schlereth’s son, Daniel, is currently a left-handed pitcher with the Detroit Tigers.)

— Steve, Aurora

MS: Throw strikes! Seriously, I would say find from a coaching standpoint, find someone who can help you repeat your mechanics. That’s easier said than done, but it’s huge. Also, in high school and college, everybody wants to throw gas, to prove themselves, but location is No. 1. Having a good changeup, or off-speed pitch, is critical. But too many young pitchers don’t know how to throw it, so it just comes across as a slower fastball.
Lastly, being a pitcher is about toughness. You have to be tough and you have to be willing to put in the time.

Do you think the Broncos will draft a quarterback in the upcoming draft, or trade for an established QB?

— Mark, Trinidad

MS: That’s an interesting question. First of all, I don’t think there is an established QB out there who is really worth anything. And I think you are always looking for a QB in the draft. If somebody is there that you like, would you take him, certainly. So I bet you will see them take somebody in round four or round five.

I think this football team under Josh McDaniels is not only going to look at positions, but I think they will take who they think is the best football player. You can never have enough good football players.

My sister lives in Anchorage and is getting married this summer. Can you give me some ideas on the best restaurants in Anchorage? (Schlereth was born and raised in Anchorage)

— Tim, Austin, Texas

MS: I like to go Girdwood (40 miles south of Anchorage) where my wife is from. We go to the Double Musky Inn. That is one you have to go to. It’s a great, eclectic restaurant.

As for local haunts, there is Benny’s Food Wagon for really good Mexican food. It’s just a road wagon between Northern Lights Boulevard and Benson Boulevard. I go back to Alaska every summer and I always make sure and eat there.

The best burger joint in the world, I mean in the world, is the Arctic Road Runner. They have these homemade onion rings that are just straight grease. They are the best.

Mark Schlereth won three Super Bowl rings, two with the Broncos and one with Washington. He’s been a top NFL insider with ESPN since 2002.